August 7, 2009

We Are Not Made For Mirrors



Standing in front of a mirror to study oneself, walk by for a glance or looking up in the rearview mirror to check ourselves, these moves are deeper than the 1D image they reflect. As we study, glance or check we are really peering deeper into ourself for a moment or two.

What we’re really seeing is a reflection of the heart that is either tired, lonely, doing just o.k., hurt, angry, sad or lost. Let’s face it, our lives are full of: “When it rains it pour's!”, “Why now!”, “Is this really happening?”, Not again!”, “Are you kidding me!” “I can’t do this anymore!”, “I’m so tried of this”, “What a mess!” It’s a soul condition that leaves you feeling empty inside, that nagging emptiness... “I’ve got to fill it somehow!”

So, we look to the world for fulfillment in material things, things to add to ourselves for a quick fix, a feel-better-and-pep-me-up pill! A quick pat on the back to boost our self esteem, food, alcohol, drugs or other sinful lusts. Oh this world is full of “quick fix’s” and makes it readily available at our finger tips and pretty much shoves it in our face!

This outer appearance in the worlds eye is most valuable and highly judged and the more you add the better you’ll feel and be accepted! It’s so easy to get caught in this trap even as a Christian. We all want a “quick fix”, who wants to take the long road? We find comfort in the words, “I don’t have the time, I’m too busy”, “Later...” and seek a false fulfillment that tastes of honey going down, but leaves a cramping shooting pain filled with more emptiness.

Our values today have fallen off the board, our ethic has drastically taken a turn towards our selfish desires. “In God We Trust”... yeah right it should state, “In Me I trust, because it is all about ME!” What has happened to our society, why have we declined to such baseline standards? Because we have replaced God with Self!

I’ve just learned of the word hedonism, do you know what a hedonist is? I always thought it wasn’t a good thing but didn’t know and had to look it up! Here is the dictionary definition;

“The pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.” • the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Here is my definition;

“Hedonism is a false pursuit of self indulgences which are found in the things of this world. Adding to oneself things that produce a temporary satisfaction or high which is a quick fix and leads to an unhealthy waning of wanting more. This is a dangerous game to live full of pride and self destruction.” ~ Tamara Cochran

Do you think a Christian can live as a Hedonist? Think this one through, where does your thought process land? My answer is yes and here is how...

“Christian hedonism is a true pursuit of God indulgence which is found in Him alone. Constantly striving to know Christ which produces a lasting satisfaction or high which is an unfading joy that leads to a healthy waning of desiring more of Him. This is a sound way to live full of humility and self denial.” ~ Tamara Cochran

John Pipers modification of the definition for hedonism is: “A life devoted to pleasure in God.”

So how does the Christian live a life devoted to pleasure in God while the chaos & struggles continue? Jesus never promised us a life of sheer joy and perfection here on earth, we will experience that after we have fought the good fight! But, have you ever stopped to ponder that maybe God allows the chaos and struggles in our lives because He loves us?

I know, I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but honestly allow yourself to think this one through...

Without... we would have no need of Him if we were honest with ourselves. Our natural bend is to rely on self (a constant struggle for the person that is a controller, who isn’t... I’m the biggest one of all!)
Without... we become lord of our life
Without... pride and lust would reign
Without... we remain empty
Without... we have not peace
Without... we remain dead

With... we are drawn to go to Him.
With... we are reminded that He does not change in a world that is constantly changing. With... we are reminded that He is in control...
With... we are reminded that He is a God of order...
With... we know it is from His hand that our trials blow our way for our good to grow us, mold us, break us, perfect us!
With... we are reminded that we TRUST Him with our SALVATION, how can we not trust Him in ALL other areas of our life.
With... we are shown a array of good mercies, truths and that His grace is sufficient to carry us through.
With... we have a peace that surpasses all understanding
With... we have life abundantly

With is where I want to be. “With” is a struggle for me! I am like that salmon swimming up stream... but I won’t give up, I will tarry on keeping my eyes on Christ, consistently striving to know God. My life is messy, but it is my life hand picked by God Himself and with Him at my side I can... I can breathe through the rough times, I can feel peace when the waves hit, I can find lasting joy in my Savior, I can take a hammer to all the mirrors in my life... I am a Christian Hedonists!

What about you?

Philippians 2:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

8 comments:

  1. What a thought provoking post! I couldn't agree more! In this world we find so many people so focused on themselves, us included a lot of the time, and it makes me sick!

    I always tell my boys, "Life is not about us!" They don't appreciate that I say this to them when they are caught up in thinking how something is 'totally ruining their day', but it's true. We will NEVER find true contentment on this earth! Trust me, I've tried. We find little pieces of heaven around us, to make us feel great for a season, but then the struggles come again! Life is hard!

    But.....Life is Good too!

    We have to remember that even Jesus suffered while on earth! He suffered A LOT, and he did it without sinning! Can you imagine going through the struggles we go through and not sinning during those difficult times?! He suffered so much and it was all for us! He had a purpose in His suffering and I know that we have a purpose for our suffering as well!

    This knowledge makes it so much easier to get through the hard times! There is so much to look forward to and so much to be thankful for when we keep our eyes on Him!

    Thanks for making me think today Tamara! It's good for me! Have a great day friend! HUGS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, thank you for reminding me that my life was handpicked by God! I am thanking God right now for just knowing he will continue to orchestrate everything that will happen and I must continue to give it all over to him. You continue to bless with your beautiful writing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have been reading your blog frequently. Exactly what does your sweet Abby have?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your faith is amazing. In the midst of all you are going through in your life you still have time to reflect and rely on your faith.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your faith is amazing. In the midst of all you are going through in your life you still have time to reflect and rely on your faith.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, I hate when I can not get on line and stay in touch! I am so sorry for your struggle!..If we breath, we struggle I think...Though that is no comfort...I am always humbled by your post, and you love for God! You must be doing something right for all the trials sent your way!...I have always wondered if we were weaker would we struggle less...But our strength comes from Christ...so...so....

    Hang in there ok...Pray and wait and pray and scream...But know there are those of us out here praying for you!..

    Ps...I am getting ready to start the sox for Abbs...But do you want them to go to the knee's or just anklets? and do you want them loose or snug?? Hugs dear Sister-in-Christ...Shi~

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such a thought provoking and well thought out post. It has been so long since I have had time to read other people's blogs and it really reminded me to remember what life is all about. :) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi there! Just checking in on you! It's been a while and I miss hearing from you!

    I pray that things are going well for you and your family! I've been thinking of you and praying for you often! HUGS!!!

    ReplyDelete

My Sweet Boys

My Sweet Boys

My Sweet Girl

My Sweet Girl

FAMILY TRIP TO ROME JULY 2009